The Obsessive Male Lead Is Jealous Of My Doll - Chapter 57
Chapter 29.1
‘…Why is that? Is it because of Zion?’
Karentina quickly averted her gaze, anxious about any further misunderstandings.
“My lady, it’s getting cold. Please head inside the tent.”
At Sasha’s gentle voice, Karentina glanced down at Stella.
“Your Highness, should we go inside the tent to warm up?”
Stella shook her head so vigorously it almost seemed as if a buzzing sound could be heard. Following the child’s gaze, Karentina noticed a herd of reindeer and elk in the distance.
Stella’s eyes were twinkling with curiosity.
“The tent is nice, but… let’s go over there first!”
“Alright. But before we do that, hold on a second.”
Before coming to the forest, she had sprayed the perfume she made with the dolls on both herself and Stella.
「 Bears are very sensitive to scents. 」
Following Leah’s advice, they had prepared a perfume that had no scent to humans but was unpleasant to bears. She also placed a necklace with a cute strawberry pattern around Stella’s neck. The necklace had a built-in spray filled with pepper, serving as a safety device to ensure that if they encountered a bear, it wouldn’t be able to approach the child.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a perfume that keeps dangerous wild animals away. And if you’re ever in danger, just press this button.”
“It’s cute.”
“Stella, since there are lots of animals here, promise me you’ll always be careful, okay?”
“Okay! I understand. Brother, hurry up!”
At the child’s cheerful call, Ignis approached with long strides.
‘…Should I spray it on him as well?’
Since he was a Transcendent, wild animals wouldn’t pose any threat to him… but it would be a problem if he ended up hurting any innocent animals, wouldn’t it? Thinking it was just a precaution, Karentina sprayed the perfume around Ignis.
“What are you doing?”
As Ignis’s sharp gaze fixed on her, a flustered response slipped from her lips.
“It’s a perfume that keeps wild animals from coming too close. Since we’re in a place where we coexist with them, I thought it’d be best to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.”
“….”
With a deep frown, Ignis brushed past her without another word.
‘Am I invisible or something?’
Karentina grumbled inwardly.
Just then, Stella’s tiny hand took hold of hers, leading her to where the reindeer and elk were gathered.
“Brother, look! The antlers are really big!”
“Is it fascinating?”
As Stella chatted away with a smile as bright as the sun, a smile also spread across Ignis’s face.
…Huh?
Karentina’s heart started racing without her realizing it. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the genuine, youthful smile on his handsome face.
‘So, he can smile like that as well. Honestly, it’s a face that’s dangerous for the heart.’
“Karen, do you see it? The male and female antlers are different.”
As Stella tugged on her hand again, Karentina snapped back to reality and quickly responded.
“Yes, you’re right. The male’s antlers are more impressive, and the females’ are quite cute.”
“Right!”
Stella glanced between Karentina and Ignis, then naturally took his hand.
‘….?’
Without understanding what was happening, Karentina found herself locking eyes with Ignis. They both awkwardly cleared their throats and turned their heads in opposite directions.
‘It’s not like we’re her mom and dad or anything…’
Stella looked so much like Ignis that, to others, it was an image that could easily lead to misunderstandings. Ignis seemed to think the same as a frown of displeasure crossed his face.
At that moment, the little girl, who had been so excited watching the reindeer and elk, suddenly hid behind Karentina’s dress.
“What’s wrong?”
“The reindeer is kind of scary.”
“Yes? All of a sudden?”
Karentina tilted her head in confusion as she looked at the reindeer peacefully grazing on the grass.
“Their antlers are huge, and it looks like they might bully Brother.”
‘…Huh? Isn’t it the other way around?’
Of course, Ignis wouldn’t harm an animal without reason…
Karentina stared at Stella in disbelief, then naturally turned her gaze to Ignis. He was staring back at her with an indifferent expression on his delicate face.
‘Why is he like this? He’s looking at me like he’s trying to burn a hole through me.’
In the end, unable to handle the awkwardness any longer, she broke the silence.
“It’s pretty windy, so how about we come back later?”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
For the first time, Ignis agreed with her.
“This isn’t how it was supposed to be…”
Stella muttered softly, her expression shifting to one of resignation as they headed back to the tent.
̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊
The inside of the tent was very warm, thanks to the magic stone that controlled the temperature.
‘When on earth did they set all this up?’
The tent was surprisingly luxurious, complete with plush chairs, a small table, and intricate decorations that seemed far too elaborate for something arranged so suddenly.
“Mmm, it smells so good.”
Stella murmured, her eyes glued to the table. The picnic basket, prepared by the assistant chef Velda, was filled with all sorts of treats: smoked duck sandwiches with a special seasoning, cupcakes loaded with raspberry jam, fresh fruits rare in the northern region, and even pudding.
Seated in a child-sized chair, Stella grinned from ear to ear.
“Can I try this?”
“Of course.”
As a smile spread across Stella’s face as she scooped a spoonful of the cupcake, Karentina watched her with a warm gaze.
Boom! Crash!
Out of nowhere, a loud noise was followed by the sound of something cracking, echoing sharply inside the tent.
“Kyaaaak!”
Karentina immediately pulled the frightened Stella into her arms.
After a few moments, once the child had calmed down, she stepped out of the tent to check on what was happening. The outside was in an uproar, filled with people talking anxiously.
‘What is that?’